Computer Crimes Defense

Computer Crimes

Computers and the Internet offer unprecedented freedom, enabling people to connect to each other around the world and access information. However, this freedom might encourage some people to act in ways they would not normally behave in the real world. Florida has enacted tough new laws to deal with computer crimes. If you or someone you care about is under investigation or has been arrested for crimes involving computers, contact experienced Broward County computer crimes lawyers quickly to protect your legal rights.

Protect yourself from Prosecution for computer crimes

Florida’s Computer Crimes Act covers crimes committed using a computer, such as misusing a computer system, hacking into a computer system, creating a program to do so and taking money or information from a business or individual using a computer. These crimes constitute felony charges, which can include prison time of up to 15 years and fines of up to $10,000.

Florida’s Attorney General employs the Child Predator Cybercrime Unit to focus on crimes against children committed on the Internet, including child pornography and similar crimes. In 2007, Florida also created tough new laws with increased penalties for possessing and distributing child pornography.  Simply possessing ten or more child pornography images of any type raises the offense to the next higher category, with more serious penalties.

A more recently adopted charge, cyberstalking is defined as unwanted or harmful communication to others that cause great emotional stress by way of the Internet or through text messages, including “sexting.” This also includes email, instant messaging, social networks like Facebook and Twitter or through blog posts. Penalties for a cyberstalking conviction are prison for up to a year and fines of up to $1,000.

Computer Crimes

Computer crimes lawyers in Broward County, including the cities of Pompano, Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood have the experience to defend the accused against computer crimes including cyberstalking or child pornography. Individual facts in the case must be carefully analyzed to provide a strong defense and offer the best chance for acquittal or reduced charges. A conviction of any computer crime can seriously impact the future of the accused. In some cases, the conviction can follow him or her for life. To protect your future or that of your loved one, you need the expert guidance of computer crimes attorneys in Broward County.

Protect Yourself with Legal Experts

It is difficult to prove the identity of a person involved in computer crimes. Sometimes mistakes are made and the wrong person is accused. With Florida’s tough laws and specialized units for these crimes, the accused will need expert representation from a computer crimes attorney who will work to protect his or her rights and defend against computer crimes charges. Contact Broward County computer crimes lawyers as quickly as possible to provide the skill needed for a successful defense.

Violent Crimes

Violent Crimes

Florida has some of the most severe penalties for violent crimes in the country. Violent crimes, including the crime of robbery, are charged as second-degree felonies in Florida. If convicted, penalties may include:

  • Prison sentence of up to 15 years (up to 30 years if a weapon is used)
  • Fines of up to $10,000

Violent Crimes

Robbery, home invasion robbery and carjacking, as well as other violent crimes, are subject to enhanced sentencing guidelines for “prison release reoffenders” under Florida statutes. This means that if the accused has committed any violent crime within three years of his or her release following a state prison sentence of one year or more, the accused is subject to much more severe sentencing.

If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with robbery or other violent crime, seek legal advice from Broward County violent crimes attorneys as soon as possible. Criminal defense attorneys with experience in robbery and other violent crimes will have the expertise to conduct a thorough investigation of your case and build the strongest defense possible on your behalf.

Robbery defined

A charge of robbery applies when money or property is taken unlawfully and intentionally from another by threat or use of force, violence or assault. Unlike burglary or theft, the victim is present during the commission of the crime. There are other types of robbery, which include:

  • Robbery by sudden snatching
  • Robbery with a deadly weapon
  • Robbery with a firearm
  • Home invasion robbery
  • Carjacking

You will improve the odds of a positive outcome in your case if you obtain legal counsel as soon possible. The options available to you will depend on the unique facts of your case. With so much to risk, seeking the advice and representation from experienced Broward County robbery lawyers will go a long way toward the securing the best possible outcome in your case.

Broward County robbery arrests vs. convictions between June 2008 and June 2009 :

Violent Crimes

  • There were 832 defendants arrested and charged with robbery
  • There were 112 cases dismissed or acquitted before trial
  • Plea bargains were offered to 560 defendants.
  • Following a jury trial, 12 defendants were acquitted or had their cases dismissed

The number of pre- and post-trial dismissals and acquittals underscore the importance of securing skilled representation. In Broward County, including the cities of Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Pompano, violent crime lawyers offer skilled counsel to defend you against charges of this nature. When facing violent crime or robbery charges, your life and future are at stake. Obtain experienced legal assistance to protect your rights and present the best defense for your case.

Sex Crime Charges

Sex Crime Charges

Sex crime laws in Florida are extremely broad, and carry a wide array of penalties upon conviction. Florida has some of the harshest penalties for sex offenders and predators in the country. Ignorance of the law or of the accuser’s age is not a legal defense. The experienced attorneys at Attorneys, can help those accused of sex crimes by gathering evidence and evaluating testimony with a critical eye in order to build a strong defense.

Sex Crime Charges

A number of charges fall within the definition of sex crimes in Florida, including, but not limited to: rape, child molestation, sexual battery, possession of child pornography, lewd conduct and failure to register as a sex offender.

  • A forcible rape was committed every 88 minutes.
  • A forcible sex offense of any type occurred every 49 minutes

Guilty Until Proven Innocent?

In many cases, accusations of sex crimes are not true or based on any real event. Spurned partners or spouses often make the claim in an attempt to exact revenge. However, the mere allegation of a sex crime has the potential to do as much damage to one’s life in terms of reputation, employment and family relations as an actual conviction. The repercussions of a conviction can last a lifetime. Many sex crime convictions result in forced registration as a sexual offender or sexual predator. Failure to register as ordered can result in significant prison time.

Sex Crime Charges

If you have been charged with a sex crime, or are being questioned in connection with a sex crime, having experienced, knowledgeable legal counsel is critical. The lawyers at Attorneys, have the expertise and resources to defend you in these serious cases.

The terms ‘sex offender’ and ‘sex predator’ sometimes are used interchangeably by the general public. But, according to the Florida courts, they are very different. A sex offender is not necessarily a sex predator. Being labeled as a sex predator is the more severe of the two. There are many qualifiers for either status, but generally, a sex predator is a person previously convicted of a sex crime, and is therefore deemed by the court to warrant such designation.